THE future of The Brunton and controversial plans for Musselburgh’s flood defences are two of the issues Musselburgh Conservation Society has set its sights on as it unveiled its new winter lecture series.

The group, which has recently recruited a new chairman and several committee members, believes that the pressures and challenges facing the Honest Toun are “greater than ever”, with “local government funding cutbacks endangering the future of several key local resources, including The Brunton theatre”.

Established in 1986 to encourage responsible development and protect Musselburgh’s rich array of historic buildings, the society has expanded its remit, with recent lectures examining East Lothian’s natural environment and the history of witches.

The upcoming annual general meeting at St Peter’s Church Hall in Musselburgh next Thursday (October 10), at 7.30pm, will be a chance for the new committee to highlight to members how the society intends to “campaign for greater use of neglected historic buildings in the town, including the Old Town Hall, whose future is being considered by East Lothian Council as part of its ‘asset review’”.

The society’s new chairman, Alastair Learmont, believes that the need for a well-organised heritage group to champion the Honest Toun and its residents has never been greater.

He said: “Musselburgh has an incredibly rich history, with many superb buildings – all of which need to be maintained and used to ensure they don’t fall into disrepair.

“The society also shares the worries of many local people regarding the future of The Brunton, as well as concerns over how the proposed flood defence scheme could damage the beautiful riverscape and coastline we are so lucky to have here.

“The society is determined to hold local decision-makers to account, to ensure that short-term thinking does not lead to bad choices which could lead to irreversible damage to both our built and natural local environment.

“We hope to attract as many new members as possible along to join our fight for Musselburgh and the people who live here.”

The society’s new series of talks, which will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at St Peter’s Church Hall, begins on November 13 with a lecture on the 1772 Waggonway Project – Scotland’s first railway, which linked Tranent and Cockenzie.

Subsequent talks are: December 11, a history of the theatre in Edinburgh; January 8, old cinemas of East Lothian; February 12, climate change; March 12, trees, their significance and protection; and April 9, mining in the Central Belt.

More information on the society can be obtained by emailing MCSmus

selburgh@hotmail.com

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The outline design of the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme is focused on reducing flood risk, while retaining the town’s historic character and natural environment.

“The proposals have been subject to extensive engagement and consultation with key stakeholders, including the community.

“East Lothian Council is in the process of writing to people to acknowledge formal objections to the scheme.

“Elected members will be asked to consider all valid objections through a report to council in early 2025 to determine how the scheme will progress.”

They added: “Due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), significant parts of the Brunton Hall remain mothballed.

“This is a complex technical situation and work has been taking place on an options appraisal. We are aiming to bring a report before council in the near future.

“Due to its present condition, Musselburgh Old Town Hall remains closed but the future of the building will be considered as part of the council’s asset review.”